|
Author
|
Topic: eBay searches for space collectibles
|
Ianhetho
Member Posts: 218
From: Bogangar NSW Australia
Registered: May 2018
|
posted 11-12-2020 10:52 PM
   
Looking for ideas for my searches on space collectables on eBay. I'm hoping for something that covers a broad range of items.I use "NASA collectibles," "Apollo 11" and things like that but I thought there might be some clever search ideas from collectors here. |
thisismills
Member Posts: 440
From: Michigan
Registered: Mar 2012
|
posted 11-13-2020 08:50 AM
It really all depends on what you are looking for. I used to have all kinds of keyword searches but actually shifted my whole process a few years ago to eliminate them all together and have had much better results.I've found what works best for me is to never type anything in the search box, ever. I instead navigate to the category I want to look through, typically Collectibles>Historical Memorabilia>Astronauts & Space Travel, and simply click "Time: Newly listed". I then scroll through a few pages of recently posted items, which only takes 5-10 minutes at most. If I do this once every day (ex. before going to work or before going to bed) I basically see every item come up for auction on a daily basis without much time spent. A side benefit of browsing this way is: it eliminates the possibility of missing an item simply because the seller has a typo, mislabel, or poorly written title. Also, a picture speaks volumes, now my eyes are trained to stop scrolling when I see something different/unique that isn't just the usual items that are lingering and being relisted on eBay time after time. Its hard to search for something you didn't know existed, so I find myself discovering cool treasures even more this way. Of course if you already know an item that is very specific or from a given mission, then by all means design a search to keep you up to date when that type of item is listed. Hope this helps. |
micropooz
Member Posts: 1589
From: Washington, DC, USA
Registered: Apr 2003
|
posted 11-13-2020 09:54 AM
Much like Jeff does (above), I pretty much check "Newly Listed" every day. I collect pre-Shuttle, so I also use minuses in the search field to help thin out items that aren't of interest to me (e.g. I run a search using: -STS -Shuttle -ISS -Orion -Dragon and so on). For what it's worth... |
Grounded!
Member Posts: 456
From: Bennington, Vermont, USA
Registered: Feb 2011
|
posted 11-14-2020 11:11 AM
Some of my best buys on eBay have been items that were listed in the wrong category. It can be time consuming to search this way but sometimes it pays to snoop around. |
garymilgrom
Member Posts: 2056
From: Atlanta, GA
Registered: Feb 2007
|
posted 11-14-2020 11:15 AM
I've always used specific searches like "shuttle tile" or "orbiter tile" but I think there's some good advice here on turning up other, interesting items. Thanks! |
jfs2
Member Posts: 253
From: Flagstaff, Arizona
Registered: Aug 2012
|
posted 11-19-2020 02:12 PM
Using the gallery view also helps manage the real estate better on your computer. |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4384
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
|
posted 01-14-2021 09:45 AM
It must be me, but using the link above seems to turn up significantly more items of interest that my usual stroll through ebay. |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4905
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 01-14-2021 11:00 AM
Works well with the exception that you get these "mega-listers" that binge post pages of items.There is an Isreali based eBayer who regularly saturates the the Space Collectibles category with what must be 1000 plus post cards, unless filtered out has really made searches more challenging. Feel sorry for anybody who also decides to list an individual item concurrently as their upload simply will get buried in the eBay spam. |
Ianhetho
Member Posts: 218
From: Bogangar NSW Australia
Registered: May 2018
|
posted 01-14-2021 11:51 AM
Yes, the postcards from Israel you speak of have been listed a day or two ago. Are they vintage or reprints? |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4384
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
|
posted 03-13-2021 08:35 AM
As I'm sure members of this forum will verify, eBay is all too often awash with space themed dross, fakes and general "nick nackery." But on occasion some real gems came be unearthed and I'd be interested to hear from members examples of gems they have acquired from the site over the years.I know for instance of one member who about 20 years ago picked up the "Rescue" hatch decal from the Apollo 13 command module for a fraction of its true value. |
Mike Dixon
Member Posts: 1564
From: Kew, Victoria, Australia
Registered: May 2003
|
posted 03-13-2021 07:29 PM
A 41C hand signed for $10. But eBay is a graveyard now where it wasn't, that far back, a goldmine. |
GACspaceguy
Member Posts: 2724
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006
|
posted 03-14-2021 06:29 AM
I agree, it is hard to find a gem on eBay these days. I think those who have items of interest ask more than what I consider reasonable let alone a bargain.My favorite find was our 1/12 scale LM model at $1K but that was 15+ years ago. |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4384
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
|
posted 05-14-2021 06:31 AM
Personally, my best find was a Fallen Astronaut figure in an authentic limited edition presentation box that was later authenticated by Paul van Hoeydonck. |
davidcwagner
Member Posts: 893
From: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Registered: Jan 2003
|
posted 05-14-2021 09:54 AM
Got some great deals on eBay but also some fakes. A $25 Apollo 2 paperweight was a lucite with one-third of a flown heat shield plug.Use a reserve if you sell a great item. Once sold an STS-9 flown patch on a crew-signed display for $83. |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4384
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
|
posted 05-21-2021 06:05 AM
All too often eBay is flooded with hundreds of inconsequential Soviet bits and bobs of little or no value that garner zero bids. |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4905
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 06-04-2021 07:10 AM
You can now add to that non-category relevant postings of Japanese goods. |
Jonnyed
Member Posts: 508
From: Dumfries, VA, USA
Registered: Aug 2014
|
posted 06-05-2021 10:26 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Rick Mulheirn:
...Fallen Astronaut figure in an authentic limited edition presentation box that was later authenticated by Paul van Hoeydonck.
Rick, what a cool find! Probably blew your mind a bit when you came across it. Very neat. I'm envious.  |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4384
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
|
posted 06-05-2021 04:51 PM
I certainly did consider the figure a significant find. |
MadSci
Member Posts: 242
From: Maryland, USA
Registered: Oct 2008
|
posted 06-23-2021 08:36 PM
I agree that about a decade ago eBay was a fabulous source, although documentation was often sparse.Fav finds include a LM sample bag and towel container with towels. Appear to have been produced for training, and two IMU components. |
advertisement